Galaxy S21 5G Vs OnePlus 10 Pro

Galaxy S21 5G
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:161.00

Versus €1,026.00 new

See options
OnePlus 10 Pro
OnePlus 10 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:228.00

Versus €999.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the OnePlus 10 Pro, launched globally in early 2022, are both Android-based smartphones that offered flagship experiences at their respective times of release. While the Galaxy S21 5G focused on a compact design with a capable camera system, the OnePlus 10 Pro emphasized a larger, more advanced display and faster charging capabilities. Both devices run on the Android operating system, with Samsung's One UI and OnePlus's OxygenOS offering distinct user interfaces and feature sets.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The practical lifespan is influenced by both physical durability and continued software updates.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 5G was released in January 2021, making it approximately one year older than the OnePlus 10 Pro, which saw its global launch in March/April 2022.
  • Software Support: Samsung announced a policy of four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices, including the Galaxy S21 series, from February 2022. The OnePlus 10 Pro typically receives three major Android OS updates and four years of security updates. This means the OnePlus 10 Pro may receive software support for a slightly longer duration due to its later release.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S21 5G generally received a repairability score around 7.5 out of 10, indicating it is relatively straightforward to disassemble and repair, though the battery can be challenging to remove due to strong adhesive. The OnePlus 10 Pro has an average repairability score, often cited around 6 to 8 out of 10, with some components being accessible but adhesive use making certain repairs more difficult.

Year of Release

2021

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones deliver robust performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though they feature different generations of high-end processors.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 5G is powered by a processor that handles multitasking and graphically intensive games smoothly. The OnePlus 10 Pro features a newer generation processor, providing enhanced speed and efficiency for demanding apps and gaming.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer configurations with ample RAM, typically 8GB or 12GB, which contributes to smooth app switching and overall system responsiveness. Users can expect quick app loading times and fluid navigation on both.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, which for heavy users may require more frequent charging to last a full day. The OnePlus 10 Pro includes a larger 5000 mAh battery, generally offering extended usage times between charges.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is vibrant, though they differ in size and resolution, catering to slightly different preferences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vivid colors and deep blacks. The OnePlus 10 Pro offers a larger 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with LTPO technology, which allows for more dynamic refresh rate adjustments.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing clear and sharp visuals for everyday content. The OnePlus 10 Pro boasts a higher resolution of 1440 x 3216 pixels, resulting in a slightly sharper image, particularly noticeable on its larger screen.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. Both also offer high peak brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor visibility.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440 x 3216

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO2 Fluid AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones provide versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, with distinct approaches to imaging.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 5G features a triple-lens setup with a 12MP wide-angle, a 64MP telephoto with 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide camera. The OnePlus 10 Pro also has a triple rear camera system, including a 48MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens with a 150-degree field of view, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3.3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy S21 5G offers features like 8K video recording and a 10MP front-facing camera. The OnePlus 10 Pro benefits from a collaboration with Hasselblad for color calibration, aiming for natural color reproduction, and includes a 32MP front camera. Both support 8K video recording.
  • Low-Light and Video: Both devices are capable of good low-light performance, with the OnePlus 10 Pro's larger ultrawide sensor potentially capturing more detail in wide shots. The Galaxy S21 5G's camera system includes optical image stabilization on its main and telephoto lenses, enhancing video stability. The OnePlus 10 Pro also features OIS on its main and telephoto cameras.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical elements differentiate these two devices, impacting daily convenience and user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The Galaxy S21 5G uses a USB-C port (USB 3.2), while the OnePlus 10 Pro also features a USB-C port (USB 3.1 GEN1). Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: Both phones incorporate in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S21 5G's fingerprint scanner is noted for its larger size and responsiveness.
  • Design and Build: The Galaxy S21 5G features a plastic back and a Gorilla Glass Victus front, weighing around 169-171 grams. The OnePlus 10 Pro has a glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) and a Gorilla Glass Victus front, with an aluminum frame, weighing approximately 200.5 grams. The OnePlus 10 Pro has been noted in some durability tests to have a structural weakness that could lead to snapping under significant bend pressure.

Weight

171 g

201 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the OnePlus 10 Pro involves weighing priorities such as display size, camera features, and overall software experience. Users often praise the Galaxy S21 5G for its compact form factor, vibrant display, and consistent camera performance, particularly its telephoto capabilities. Some common criticisms have included its battery life for heavy users and the initial plastic back material on the base model. The OnePlus 10 Pro, on the other hand, is frequently lauded for its larger, high-resolution display, faster charging, and the unique ultrawide camera with its expansive field of view. However, some users have expressed concerns regarding its durability in extreme stress tests and the evolution of its software experience.

Users prioritizing a more compact device with a reliable and versatile camera system, backed by Samsung's extensive software support, may find the Galaxy S21 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a larger, higher-resolution display, longer battery life, and faster charging, along with a distinct camera experience, might lean toward the OnePlus 10 Pro. Both devices represent strong options in the Android smartphone market, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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